Remote function control system for a vehicle having a data communications bus and related methods

ABSTRACT

A remote function control system for a vehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to vehicle devices may include a wireless data bus device in the vehicle coupled to a wired vehicle electrical power system. The wireless data bus device may include a wired interface coupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle, and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface. A remote function device coupled to the wired electrical system may include a second wireless device to wirelessly communicate within the vehicle with the first wireless device and a third wireless device to wirelessly communicate with a remote control device away from the vehicle. The remote function device may also include a controller coupled to the second and third wireless devices to permit communication between the remote control device and a vehicle device coupled to the data communications bus.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of vehicle control systemsand, more particularly, to a remote function control system and relatedmethods for vehicles.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle security systems are widely used to deter vehicle theft, preventtheft of valuables from a vehicle, deter vandalism, and to protectvehicle owners and occupants. A typical automobile security system, forexample, includes a central processor or controller connected to aplurality of vehicle sensors. The sensors, for example, may detectopening of the trunk, hood, doors, windows, and also movement of thevehicle or within the vehicle. Ultrasonic and microwave motiondetectors, vibration sensors, sound discriminators, differentialpressure sensors, and switches may be used as sensors. In addition,radar sensors may be used to monitor the area proximate the vehicle.

The controller typically operates to give an alarm indication in theevent of triggering of a vehicle sensor. The alarm indication maytypically be a flashing of the lights and/or the sounding of the vehiclehorn or a siren. In addition, the vehicle fuel supply and/or ignitionpower may be selectively disabled based upon an alarm condition.

A typical security system also includes a receiver associated with thecontroller that cooperates with one or more remote transmitterstypically carried by the user as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat.No. 4,383,242 to Sassover et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,146,215 to Drori.The remote transmitter may be used to arm and disarm the vehiclesecurity system or provide other remote control features from apredetermined range away from the vehicle. Also related to remotecontrol of a vehicle function U.S. Pat. No. 5,252,966 to Lambropoulouset al. discloses a remote keyless entry system for a vehicle. Thekeyless entry system permits the user to remotely open the vehicle doorsor open the vehicle trunk using a small handheld transmitter.

Unfortunately, the majority of vehicle security systems need to bedirectly connected by wires to individual vehicle devices, such as thevehicle horn or door switches of the vehicle. In other words, aconventional vehicle security system is hardwired to various vehiclecomponents, typically by splicing into vehicle wiring harnesses or viainterposing T-harnesses and connectors. The number of electrical devicesin a vehicle has increased so that the size and complexity of wiringharnesses has also increased. For example, the steering wheel mayinclude horn switches, an airbag, turn-signal and headlight switches,wiper controls, cruise control switches, ignition wiring, an emergencyflasher switch, and/or radio controls. Likewise, a door of a vehicle,for example, may include window controls, locks, outside mirrorswitches, and/or door-panel light switches.

In response to the increased wiring complexity and costs, vehiclemanufacturers have begun attempts to reduce the amount of wiring withinvehicles to reduce weight, reduce wire routing problems, decrease costs,and reduce complications which may arise when troubleshooting theelectrical system. For example, some manufacturers have adoptedmultiplexing schemes to reduce cables to three or four wires and tosimplify the exchange of data among the various onboard electronicsystems as disclosed, for example, in “The Thick and Thin of CarCabling” by Thompson appearing in the IEEE Spectrum, February 1996, pp.42-45.

Implementing multiplexing concepts in vehicles in a cost-effective andreliable manner may not be easy. Successful implementation, for example,may require the development of low or error-free communications in whatcan be harsh vehicle environments. With multiplexing technology, thevarious electronic modules or devices may be linked by a single signalwire in a bus also containing a power wire, and one or more groundwires. Digital messages are communicated to all modules over the datacommunications bus. Each message may have one or more addressesassociated with it so that the devices can recognize which messages toignore and which messages to respond to or read.

The Thompson article describes a number of multiplexed networks forvehicles. In particular, the Grand Cherokee made by Chrysler isdescribed as having five multiplex nodes or controllers: the enginecontroller, the temperature controller, the airbag controller, the theftalarm, and the overhead console. Other nodes for different vehicles mayinclude a transmission controller, a trip computer, an instrumentcluster controller, an antilock braking controller, an active suspensioncontroller, and a body controller for devices in the passengercompartment.

A number of patent references are also directed to digital or multiplexcommunications networks or circuits, such as may be used in a vehicle.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,538,262 Sinniger et al. discloses amultiplex bus system including a master control unit and a plurality ofreceiver-transmitter units connected thereto. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No.4,055,772 to Leung discloses a power bus in a vehicle controlled by alow current digitally coded communications system. Other referencesdisclosing various vehicle multiplex control systems include, forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,275 to Sato et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 4,697,092to Roggendorf et al.; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,792,783 to Burgess et al.

Several standards have been proposed for vehicle multiplex networksincluding, for example, the Society of Automotive Engineers “SurfaceVehicle Standard, Class B Data Communications Network Interface”, SAEJ1850, July 1995. Another report by the SAE is the “Surface VehicleInformation Report, Chrysler Sensor and Control (CSC) Bus MultiplexingNetwork for Class ‘A’ Applications”, SAE J2058, July 1990. Many othernetworks are also being implemented or proposed for communicationsbetween vehicle devices and nodes or controllers.

Unfortunately, conventional vehicle control systems, such as aftermarketvehicle security systems, are for hardwired connection to vehicledevices and are not readily adaptable to a vehicle including a datacommunications bus. Moreover, a vehicle security system if adapted for acommunications bus and devices for one particular model, model year, andmanufacturer, may not be compatible with any other models, model years,or manufacturers. Other systems for the control of vehicle functions mayalso suffer from such shortcomings.

One approach to addressing these shortcomings is described in U.S. Pat.No. 6,011,460 to Flick which discloses a multi-vehicle security system.More particularly, the Flick '460 patent discloses a desired signalenabling circuit electrically coupled to the data communications bus forenabling an alarm controller to operate using a set of desired signalsfor a desired vehicle from among a plurality of possible sets of signalsfor different vehicles. Thus, the desired signal enabling circuitpermits the alarm controller to communicate with a vehicle securitysensor and an alarm indicator via the data communications bus so thatthe alarm controller is capable of operating the alarm indicatorresponsive to the vehicle security sensor. The desired signal enablingcircuit may learn the desired set of signals from the plurality ofdifferent sets of signals for different vehicles by connection andcommunications with a downloading device, such as a portable or laptopcomputer.

However, still further improvements for remote control device operationof vehicle devices, for example, a security system, remote start system,etc., may be desired. In particular, it may desirable to more easilyconfigure or adapt a wider range of vehicle devices to be operated froma remote control device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a more easily adaptable remote functioncontrol system for communicating with vehicle devices over a datacommunications bus of a vehicle.

This and other objects, features, and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a remote function control system for avehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout thevehicle and coupled to a plurality of vehicle devices. The vehicle mayinclude a wired vehicle electrical power system. The remote functioncontrol system may include a wireless data bus interface device coupledto the wired vehicle electrical power system that may include a wiredinterface coupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle, and afirst wireless device coupled to the wired interface, for example.

The remote function control system may also include a remote functiondevice coupled to the wired vehicle electrical system that may include asecond wireless device to wirelessly communicate within the vehicle withthe first wireless device, and a third wireless device to wirelesslycommunicate with a remote control device away from the vehicle, forexample. The remote function controller may also include a controllercoupled to the second and third wireless devices to permit communicationbetween the remote control device and at least one vehicle devicecoupled to the vehicle data communications bus. Accordingly, the remotefunction control system may be more easily adaptable for communicatingwith vehicle devices over a data communications bus of a vehicle. Forexample, the vehicle device may wirelessly interface to a remote controldevice.

The controller may include a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent bus protocols. Alternatively or additionally, the controllermay include a multi-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with aplurality of different vehicles using respective different vehicledevice bus codes, for example.

The controller may include a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent wireless communications protocols of the first wirelessdevice. Alternatively or additionally, the controller may include amulti-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different wireless communicationscodes of the first wireless device, for example.

The controller may permit communication for the remote control device toread data from the at least one vehicle device, for example. Thecontroller may also permit communication for the remote control deviceto command the at least one vehicle device.

The remote function device may further include a downloading interfacecoupled to the controller to permit downloading a configuration thereof.The remote function device may further include a learning interfacecoupled to the controller to permit learning a configuration thereof,for example.

The first and second wireless devices may include first and secondwireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers, for example. In someembodiments, the first and second wireless devices may alternativelyinclude first and second Bluetooth transceivers, for example.

The third wireless communications device may include a satellitetransceiver. The third wireless communications device may include acellular transceiver, for example, and the remote control device may bea cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the remote control device maybe a remote monitoring station, for example.

The remote function device may further include a vehicle positiondetermining device coupled to the controller. The controller may includea tracking controller to perform at least one tracking function, forexample, based upon vehicle position.

The controller may include a remote start controller to perform at leastone remote start function. Alternatively or additionally, the controllermay include a security controller to perform at least one securityfunction and/or a remote keyless entry controller to perform at leastone remote keyless entry function. In some embodiments, the controllermay include a diagnostic controller to perform at least one diagnosticfunction, for example.

A method aspect is directed to a method of remotely controlling avehicle function with a wireless data bus device coupled to a wiredvehicle electrical power system in a vehicle including a datacommunications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to aplurality of vehicle devices. The wireless data bus device includes awired interface coupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle,and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface.

The method may include using a remote function device coupled to thewired vehicle electrical power system to wirelessly communicate via asecond wireless device within the vehicle with the first wireless deviceand wirelessly communicate via a third wireless device with a remotecontrol device away from the vehicle. The method may also include usingthe remote function device to permit communication, via a controllercoupled to the second and third wireless devices, between the remotecontrol device and at least one vehicle device coupled to the vehicledata communications bus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a remote function control system inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga multi-function compatible controller in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga multi-function compatible controller in accordance with anotherembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga tracking controller in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga remote start controller in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga security controller in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga remote keyless entry controller in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a remote function control system includinga diagnostic controller in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating operation of the remote functioncontrol system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is another flowchart illustrating operation of the remotefunction control system in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers, including numbers in multiples of one-hundred, refer to likeelements throughout, and prime and multiple prime notation are used toindicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a remote function control system 10 for avehicle 34 including a data communications bus 15 extending throughout avehicle 34 and connecting a plurality of vehicle devices 16 a-16 nwithin the vehicle is illustrated. For example, such vehicle devices 16a-16 n may be sensors or controllers as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,719,551 and 6,011,460 to Flick, assigned to the present assignee, andthe entire contents of both of which are herein incorporated byreference. The vehicle also includes a wired vehicle electrical powersystem 18. The wired vehicle electrical power system 18 may providepower to electronic device within the vehicle and may include a vehiclebattery and/or vehicle alternator, for example, as will be appreciatedby those skilled in the art.

The remote function control system 10 illustratively includes a wirelessdata bus device 11 and a remote function device 20. The wireless databus device 11 is coupled to the vehicle wired electrical power system 18and includes a wired interface 12 coupled to the data communications bus15. The wireless data bus device 11 may also include a first wirelessdevice 13 coupled to the wired interface 12 for wirelessly communicatingwith the remote function device 20. The first wireless device 13 may bea short-range wireless device. For example, the first wireless device 13may be a Bluetooth transceiver, and/or a wireless local area network(WLAN) transceiver. Of course, the first wireless device 13 may beanother type of transceiver and/or may be able to communicate via morethan one wireless protocol, for example, either Bluetooth or WLAN.

The wireless data bus device bus device 11 also illustratively includesa processor 14 coupled to the first wireless device 13 and the wiredinterface 12 for performing the functions described herein. The wirelessdata bus device 11 illustratively includes a first housing 26.

The remote function device 20 is also coupled to the wired vehicleelectrical power system 18 and illustratively includes a second housing25. The remote function device 20 illustratively includes a secondwireless device 21 for wirelessly communicating within the vehicle 34with the first wireless device 13. More particularly, similarly to thefirst wireless device 13, the second wireless device 21 may also be ashort-range wireless device. For example, the second wireless device maybe a Bluetooth transceiver, and/or a WLAN transceiver. Of course, thesecond wireless device 21 may be another type of transceiver and/or maybe communicate via more than one wireless protocol, for example, eitherBluetooth or WLAN.

The remote function device 20 also includes a third wireless device 22to wirelessly communicate with a remote control device 30. In someembodiments, the third wireless device 21 may be a cellular transceiverand/or a satellite transceiver. In other embodiments, the third wirelessdevice 22 may be a short range wireless device, for example, a WLAN orBluetooth transceiver. Of course, the third wireless device 22 may beanother type of device communicating over another protocol, as will beappreciated by those skilled in the art.

The remote function device 20 also may include a controller 23 coupledto the second and third wireless devices 21, 22 to permit communicationbetween the remote control device 30 away from the vehicle and thevehicle devices 16 a-16 n coupled to the vehicle data communications bus15. More particularly, the controller permits the remote control device30 to read from the vehicle devices 16 a-16 n and for the remote controldevice to command the vehicle's devices.

The remote control device 30 may be a cellular telephone and may receivea status of a vehicle device 16 a-16 n, for example, the door locks. Thecellular telephone 30 may communicate with the remote function device 20using a cellular communications protocol, for example. Alternatively,the cellular telephone 30 may include a WLAN transceiver and maycommunicate with the remote function device 20 using a WLAN protocol. Insome embodiments, where, for example, the cellular telephone 30 isequipped with both cellular and WLAN and/or Bluetooth transceivers, thecellular telephone may communicate with the remote control functiondevice 20 using the WLAN or Bluetooth transceivers when within arelatively short range to the remote function device, and maycommunication using the cellular transceiver when outside the WLAN orBluetooth range. Of course, when there is relative movement between thecellular telephone 30 and the remote function device 20, the cellulartelephone may initially communicate with the remote function device viathe cellular transceiver and switch to one of the WLAN/Bluetoothtransceivers when within range.

In other embodiments, the remote control device 30 may be a remotemonitoring station. For example, vehicle devices 16 a-16 n, such as,door locks may be wirelessly controlled, for example, when a vehicleoperator has locked themselves out of the vehicle 35. The remotemonitoring station 30 may communicate with the third wireless device 22via a satellite, for example. Additionally, the remote monitoringstation 30 may wirelessly receive a status of vehicle safety devices,for example, crash sensors or airbag deployment sensors. In response,personnel at the remote monitoring station 30 may wirelessly enable ordisable certain vehicle devices 16 a-16 n, for example, disable theengine 16 n. The remote monitoring station 30 may also be connected toother communications infrastructure, as will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art.

The remote control device 30 may be a FOB, for example, and communicateusing a WLAN protocol. Of course, the remote control device 30 mayanother wireless device, for example, a laptop or tablet computer.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, thecontroller 23′ is a multi-vehicle compatible controller. Themulti-vehicle compatible controller 23′ is operable with differentvehicles using different data bus protocols and/or different vehicledevice bus codes. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,the vehicle device bus codes may be unique to each vehicle or vehiclemanufacturer. In some embodiments, the different data bus codes and/ordata bus protocols may be stored in a memory 33′ coupled to themulti-vehicle compatible controller 23′. The remote function device 20′can be configured to change or set the protocol of the datacommunications bus 15′, the vehicle device bus codes, and the protocolof the second and third wireless devices 21′, 22′. For example, theremote function device 20′ may request one or more of the vehicleidentification number (VIN), the mileage, and fuel level of the vehiclevia data communications bus 15′ using a first protocol. If a response tothe request is received, the correct protocol has been selected.Otherwise, the remote function device 20′ may select another protocoland make another request using the newly selected protocol. The processmay be repeated until a response is received. The remote function device20′ may also be programmed to selectively enable features of thecontroller 23′, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.Further details regarding a multi-vehicle compatible controller aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,719,551 and 6,011,460 to Flick, forexample.

To program the multi-vehicle compatible controller 23′, the remotefunction device 20′ may include a downloading interface 27′ coupled tothe controller to permit downloading a configuration of the controller.The downloading interface 27′ may be a wired interface for coupling to aprogramming device, for example, a laptop or tablet computer.Programming or configuration, as noted above, may be performed viadownloading from the programming device to the remote function device20′. Of course, the downloading interface 27′ may be a wirelessinterface, for example, so that the multi-vehicle compatible controller23′ may be configured or programmed wirelessly, via the Internet orcellular connection, from a programming device. The multi-vehiclecompatible controller 23′ may be programmed or configured within thevehicle or may be removed from the vehicle for programming. Furtherdetails of programming a multi-vehicle compatible controller 23′ may befound in U.S. Pat. No. 8,032,278 to Flick, assigned to the presentassignee, and the entire contents of which are herein incorporated byreference. Other or additional programming or configuration techniquesmay be used, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

The remote function device 20′ may further include a learning interface26′ coupled to the multi-vehicle compatible controller 23′ to permitlearning a configuration of the controller. For example, new orunrecognized configuration parameters, particularly, data bus orcommunications codes, may be learned as they are communicated, andthereafter stored in the memory 33′. Other or additional learningtechniques may be used, as will be appreciated by those skilled in theart. The downloading interface 27′ and the learning interface 26′ may beparticularly useful with the multi-vehicle compatible controller 23′ fordownloading and learning the vehicle device bus codes and protocols.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 3, in yet another embodiment, thecontroller 23″ is a multi-vehicle compatible controller that is operablewith different vehicles using different wireless communicationsprotocols and/or codes of the first wireless communications device 13″.For example, the multi-vehicle compatible controller 23″ may be operablewith different vehicles using Bluetooth and/or WLAN protocols and/orassociated codes of the first wireless communications device 13″. Adownloading interface 27″ coupled to the multi-vehicle compatiblecontroller 23′ permits downloading a configuration of the controller,and more particularly, the different wireless communications protocolsand/or codes of the first wireless device 13″. A learning interface 26″is also coupled to the multi-vehicle compatible controller 23″ to permitlearning a configuration of the controller with respect to thecommunications codes and/or protocols of the first wireless device 13″.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 4, in yet another embodiment, theremote function device 20′″ includes a vehicle position determiningdevice 24′″, for example, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver,coupled to a tracking controller 23′″. The tracking controller 23′″ isfor performing a tracking function based upon the vehicle location, forexample, for which may be used to determine a vehicle condition orstatus, i.e., stolen. Vehicle device functions may be controlled by thetracking controller 23′″ based upon the vehicle position. Furtherdetails of a vehicle tracking unit for controlling operable vehicledevices using a data communications bus are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.6,924,750, assigned to the present assignee, and the entire contents ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 5, in some embodiments, thecontroller 23″″ may be a remote start controller for performing a remotestart function, for example, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,812,829,assigned to the present assignee, and the entire contents of which areherein incorporated by reference. For example, the remote control device30″″ may cooperate with the remote start controller 23″″ to wirelesslycommunicate with a starter vehicle device and/or fuel supply systemcoupled to the vehicle data bus 15″″, to thus start the vehicle 35″″.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 6, in some embodiments, thecontroller 123 may be a security controller for performing a securityfunction. For example, the remote control device 130 may cooperate withthe security controller 123 to communicate with or activate a vehicledevice 116 a-116 n, for example, a motion sensor, coupled to the vehicledata bus 115. As another example, the security controller 123 maycommunicate with the door locks coupled to the data communications bus115 to send a door lock status to the remote control device 130. Thesecurity controller 123 may also send a vehicle device status, such as,for example, an alarm condition to the remote control device 130.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 7, the controller 123′ may be aremote keyless entry controller for performing at least one remotekeyless entry function. For example, the remote keyless entry controller123′ may permit communication from the remote control device 130′ forunlocking the door locks. The remote control device 130′ may alsocooperate via the remote keyless entry controller 123′ to lock the doorsof the vehicle 134′.

Referring now additionally to FIG. 8, the controller 123″ may be adiagnostic controller for performing at least one diagnostic function.For example, the diagnostic controller 123″ may permit communication fordetermining vehicle fault codes and communicating those codes to theremote control device 130″. The remote control device 130″ may be aportable computer, laptop or tablet, for example, and may wirelesslyreceive the vehicle fault codes. Diagnostic codes, for example, devicereset codes, may be wirelessly sent from the portable computer 130″ toone or more vehicle devices 116 a″-116 n″ via the diagnostic controller123″.

Of course, while the controller 23 has been described in severalexamples, it should be understood that the controller may be more thanone type of controller and configured to perform any one or more of theabove-noted functions. Additional functions may be performed by thecontroller 23 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Forexample, the controller 23 may be a climate controller and perform aclimate controlling function, such as, changing the cabin temperatureand fan speed.

Referring now to the flowchart 50 in FIG. 9, beginning at Block 52 amethod of remotely controlling a vehicle function with a wireless databus device coupled to a wired vehicle electrical power system 18 in avehicle 34 including a data communications bus 15 extending throughoutthe vehicle and coupled to vehicle devices 16 a-16 n is described. Thewireless data bus device 11 includes a wired interface 12 coupled to thedata communications bus 15 in the vehicle 24, and a first wirelessdevice 13 coupled to the wired interface. At Block 54, the remotefunction device, which is coupled to the vehicle electrical power system18, communicates with, for example, receives a command from, the remotecontrol device 30 via the third wireless communications device 22 tocontrol a vehicle device 16 a-16 n. The controller 23 processes thecommand from the remote control device 30 and communicates with thevehicle device 16 a-16 n to perform the desired vehicle deviceoperation. For example, the controller 23 may transmit a correspondingcommand, or a respective vehicle device bus code using a respective busprotocol to the vehicle device via the first and second wireless devices13, 21 (Block 56). Thus, the controller 23 permits communication betweenthe remote control device 30 and the vehicle device 16 a-16 n. Themethod ends at Block 58.

Referring now to the flowchart 70 in FIG. 10, beginning at Block 72 amethod of remotely controlling a vehicle function with a wireless databus device 11 in a vehicle 34 including a data communications bus 15extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to a plurality of vehicledevices 16 a-16 n is described. The wireless data bus device 11 includesa wired interface 12 coupled to the data communications bus 15 in thevehicle 34, and a first wireless device 13 coupled to the wiredinterface. At Block 74, data from the vehicle device 16 a-16 n, forexample, a code, is communicated over the data communications bus 15 tothe remote function device 20 via the first and second wireless devices13, 21. The remote function device 20 communicates with the remotecontrol device 30 to obtain the status of the vehicle device 16 a-16 n(Block 76). The method ends at Block 78.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

That which is claimed is:
 1. A remote function control system for avehicle including a data communications bus extending throughout thevehicle and coupled to a plurality of vehicle devices, and a wiredvehicle electrical power system, the system comprising: a wireless databus device coupled to the wired vehicle electrical power system andcomprising a wired interface coupled to the data communications bus inthe vehicle, and a first wireless device coupled to said wiredinterface; and a remote function device coupled to the wired vehicleelectrical power system and comprising a second wireless transceiver towirelessly communicate within the vehicle with said first wirelessdevice, a third wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate with acellular telephone away from the vehicle, a vehicle position determiningdevice, and a controller coupled to said second and third wirelesstransceivers and said vehicle position determining device, saidcontroller configured to permit communication between the cellulartelephone and at least one vehicle device coupled to the vehicle datacommunications bus, perform at least one tracking function based uponvehicle position to determine at least one of a condition and status ofthe vehicle, and cooperate with said third wireless transceiver towirelessly communicate the at least one of the condition and status ofthe vehicle to the cellular telephone.
 2. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent bus protocols.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein saidcontroller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent vehicle device bus codes.
 4. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent wireless communications protocols of said first wirelessdevice.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different wireless communicationscodes of said first wireless device.
 6. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid controller is to permit communication for the cellular telephone toread data from the at least one vehicle device.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein said controller is to permit communication for the cellulartelephone to command the at least one vehicle device.
 8. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said remote function device further comprises adownloading interface coupled to said controller to permit downloading aconfiguration thereof.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein said remotefunction device further comprises a learning interface coupled to saidcontroller to permit learning a configuration thereof.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said first and second wireless transceivers comprisefirst and second Bluetooth transceivers.
 11. The system of claim 1,wherein said third wireless communications transceiver comprises acellular transceiver.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein said controllercomprises a remote start controller to perform at least one remote startfunction.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises asecurity controller to perform at least one security function.
 14. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a remote keylessentry controller to perform at least one remote keyless entry function.15. The system of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises adiagnostic controller to perform at least one diagnostic function.
 16. Aremote function device to be positioned within a vehicle for wirelesslycommunicating with a wireless data bus device in the vehicle including adata communications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled toa plurality of vehicle devices, and a wired vehicle electrical powersystem, the wireless data bus device coupled to the wired vehicleelectrical power system and comprising a wired interface coupled to thedata communications bus in the vehicle, and a first wireless devicecoupled to the wired interface, the remote function device to be coupledto the wired vehicle electrical power system and comprising: a secondwireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate within the vehicle withthe first wireless device, a third wireless transceiver to wirelesslycommunicate with a cellular telephone away from the vehicle; a vehicleposition determining device; and a controller coupled to said second andthird wireless transceivers and said vehicle position determiningdevice, said controller configured to permit communication between thecellular telephone and at least one vehicle device coupled to thevehicle data communications bus, perform at least one tracking functionbased upon vehicle position to determine at least one of a condition andstatus of the vehicle, and cooperate with said third wirelesstransceiver to wirelessly communicate the at least one of the conditionand status of the vehicle to the cellular telephone.
 17. The device ofclaim 16, wherein said controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatiblecontroller to be operable with a plurality of different vehicles usingrespective different bus protocols.
 18. The device of claim 16, whereinsaid controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent vehicle device bus codes.
 19. The device of claim 16, whereinsaid controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent wireless communications protocols of the first wirelessdevice.
 20. The device of claim 16, wherein said controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different communications codes ofthe first wireless device.
 21. The device of claim 16, wherein saidcontroller is to permit communication for the cellular telephone to readdata from the at least one vehicle device.
 22. The device of claim 16,wherein said controller is to permit communication for the cellulartelephone to command the at least one vehicle device.
 23. The device ofclaim 16, further comprising a downloading interface coupled to saidcontroller to permit downloading a configuration thereof.
 24. The deviceof claim 16, further comprising a learning interface coupled to saidcontroller to permit learning a configuration thereof.
 25. The device ofclaim 16, wherein the first and said second wireless transceiverscomprise first and second Bluetooth transceivers.
 26. The device ofclaim 16, wherein said third wireless communications transceivercomprises a satellite transceiver.
 27. The device of claim 16, whereinsaid third wireless communications transceiver comprises a cellulartransceiver.
 28. The device of claim 16, wherein said controllercomprises a remote start controller to perform at least one remote startfunction.
 29. The device of claim 16, wherein said controller comprisesa security controller to perform at least one security function.
 30. Thedevice of claim 16, wherein said controller comprises a remote keylessentry controller to perform at least one remote keyless entry function.31. The device of claim 16, wherein said controller comprises adiagnostic controller to perform at least one diagnostic function.
 32. Amethod of remotely controlling a vehicle function with a wireless databus device coupled to a wired vehicle electrical system in a vehicleincluding a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle andcoupled to a plurality of vehicle devices, the wireless data bus devicecomprising a wired interface coupled to the data communications bus inthe vehicle, and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface,the method comprising: using a remote function device coupled to thewired vehicle electrical power system to wirelessly communicate via asecond wireless transceiver within the vehicle with the first wirelessdevice, wirelessly communicate via a third wireless transceiver with acellular telephone away from the vehicle, permit communication via acontroller coupled to the second and third wireless transceivers betweenthe cellular telephone and at least one vehicle device coupled to thevehicle data communications bus, perform at least one tracking functionbased upon vehicle position determined from a vehicle positiondetermining device to determine at least one of a condition and statusof the vehicle, and cooperate with the third wireless transceiver towirelessly communicate the at least one of the condition and status ofthe vehicle to the cellular telephone.
 33. The method of claim 32,wherein the controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controllerto be operable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent bus protocols.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein thecontroller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent vehicle device bus codes.
 35. The method of claim 32, whereinthe controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent wireless communications protocols of the first wirelessdevice.
 36. The method of claim 32, wherein the controller comprises amulti-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different wireless communicationscodes of the first wireless device.
 37. The method of claim 32, whereinthe controller permits communication for the cellular telephone to readdata from the at least one vehicle device.
 38. The method of claim 32,wherein the controller permits communication for the cellular telephoneto command the at least one vehicle device.
 39. The method of claim 32,further comprising downloading a configuration of the controller via adownloading interface coupled to the controller.
 40. The method of claim32, further comprising learning a configuration of the remote functioncontroller via a learning interface coupled to the controller.
 41. Aremote function control system for a vehicle including a datacommunications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to aplurality of vehicle devices, and a wired vehicle electrical powersystem, the system comprising: a wireless data bus device coupled to thewired vehicle electrical power system and comprising a wired interfacecoupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle, and a firstwireless device coupled to said wired interface and to communicate witha first remote control device away from the vehicle; and a remotefunction device coupled to the wired vehicle electrical power system andcomprising a second wireless device to wirelessly communicate within thevehicle with said first wireless device, a third wireless device towirelessly communicate with a second remote control device away from thevehicle, the second remote control device comprising a cellulartelephone, a vehicle position determining device, and a controllercoupled to said second and third wireless devices and said vehicleposition determining device, said controller configured to permitcommunication between the second remote control device and at least onevehicle device coupled to the vehicle data communications bus, performat least one tracking function based upon vehicle position to determineat least one of a condition and status of the vehicle, and cooperatewith said third wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate the atleast one of the condition and status of the vehicle to the cellulartelephone.
 42. The system of claim 41, wherein said controller comprisesa multi-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different bus protocols.
 43. Thesystem of claim 41, wherein said controller comprises a multi-vehiclecompatible controller to be operable with a plurality of differentvehicles using respective different vehicle device bus codes.
 44. Thesystem of claim 41, wherein said controller comprises a multi-vehiclecompatible controller to be operable with a plurality of differentvehicles using respective different wireless communications protocols ofsaid first wireless device.
 45. The system of claim 41, wherein saidcontroller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent wireless communications codes of said first wireless device.46. The system of claim 41, wherein said controller is to permitcommunication for the second remote control device to read data from theat least one vehicle device.
 47. The system of claim 41, wherein saidcontroller is to permit communication for the second remote controldevice to command the at least one vehicle device.
 48. The system ofclaim 41, wherein said remote function device further comprises adownloading interface coupled to said controller to permit downloading aconfiguration thereof.
 49. The system of claim 41, wherein said remotefunction device further comprises a learning interface coupled to saidcontroller to permit learning a configuration thereof.
 50. The system ofclaim 41, wherein said first and second wireless devices comprise firstand second Bluetooth transceivers.
 51. The system of claim 41, whereinsaid third wireless communications device comprises a cellulartransceiver.
 52. The system of claim 41, wherein said controllercomprises a remote start controller to perform at least one remote startfunction.
 53. The system of claim 41, wherein said controller comprisesa security controller to perform at least one security function.
 54. Thesystem of claim 41, wherein said controller comprises a remote keylessentry controller to perform at least one remote keyless entry function.55. The system of claim 41, wherein said controller comprises adiagnostic controller to perform at least one diagnostic function.
 56. Aremote function device to be positioned within a vehicle for wirelesslycommunicating with a wireless data bus interface in the vehicleincluding a data communications bus extending throughout the vehicle andcoupled to a plurality of vehicle devices, and a wired vehicleelectrical power system, the wireless data bus device coupled to thewired vehicle electrical power system and comprising a wired interfacecoupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle, and a firstwireless device coupled to the wired interface and to communicate with afirst remote control device away from the vehicle, the remote functiondevice to be coupled to the wired vehicle electrical power system andcomprising: a second wireless device to wirelessly communicate withinthe vehicle with the first wireless device; a third wireless device towirelessly communicate with a second remote control device away from thevehicle, the second remote control device comprising a cellulartelephone; a vehicle position determining device; and a controllercoupled to said second and third wireless devices and said vehicleposition determining device, said controller configured to permitcommunication between the second remote control device and at least onevehicle device coupled to the vehicle data communications bus, performat least one tracking function based upon vehicle position to determineat least one of a condition and status of the vehicle, and cooperatewith said third wireless transceiver to wirelessly communicate the atleast one of the condition and status of the vehicle to the cellulartelephone.
 57. The device of claim 56, wherein said controller comprisesa multi-vehicle compatible controller to be operable with a plurality ofdifferent vehicles using respective different bus protocols.
 58. Thedevice of claim 56, wherein said controller comprises a multi-vehiclecompatible controller to be operable with a plurality of differentvehicles using respective different vehicle device bus codes.
 59. Thedevice of claim 56, wherein said controller comprises a multi-vehiclecompatible controller to be operable with a plurality of differentvehicles using respective different wireless communications protocols ofthe first wireless device.
 60. The device of claim 56, wherein saidcontroller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller to beoperable with a plurality of different vehicles using respectivedifferent communications codes of the first wireless device.
 61. Thedevice of claim 56, wherein said controller is to permit communicationfor the second remote control device to read data from the at least onevehicle device.
 62. The device of claim 56, wherein said controller isto permit communication for the second remote control device to commandthe at least one vehicle device.
 63. The device of claim 56, furthercomprising a downloading interface coupled to said controller to permitdownloading a configuration thereof.
 64. The device of claim 56, furthercomprising a learning interface coupled to said controller to permitlearning a configuration thereof.
 65. The device of claim 56, whereinthe first and said second wireless devices comprise first and secondBluetooth transceivers.
 66. The device of claim 56, wherein said thirdwireless communications device comprises a cellular transceiver.
 67. Thedevice of claim 56, wherein said controller comprises a remote startcontroller to perform at least one remote start function.
 68. The deviceof claim 56, wherein said controller comprises a security controller toperform at least one security function.
 69. The device of claim 56,wherein said controller comprises a remote keyless entry controller toperform at least one remote keyless entry function.
 70. The device ofclaim 56, wherein said controller comprises a diagnostic controller toperform at least one diagnostic function.
 71. A method of remotelycontrolling a vehicle function with a wireless data bus device coupledto a wired vehicle electrical system in a vehicle including a datacommunications bus extending throughout the vehicle and coupled to aplurality of vehicle devices, the wireless data bus device comprising awired interface coupled to the data communications bus in the vehicle,and a first wireless device coupled to the wired interface and tocommunicate with a first remote control device away from the vehicle,the method comprising: using a remote function device coupled to thewired vehicle electrical power system to wirelessly communicate via asecond wireless device within the vehicle with the first wirelessdevice, wirelessly communicate via a third wireless device with a secondremote control device away from the vehicle, the second remote controldevice comprising a cellular telephone, permit communication via acontroller coupled to the second and third wireless devices between thesecond remote control device and at least one vehicle device coupled tothe vehicle data communications bus, perform at least one trackingfunction based upon vehicle position determined from a vehicle positiondetermining device to determine at least one of a condition and statusof the vehicle, and cooperate with the third wireless transceiver towirelessly communicate the at least one of the condition and status ofthe vehicle to the cellular telephone.
 72. The method of claim 71,wherein the controller comprises a multi-vehicle compatible controller.73. The method of claim 71, wherein the controller permits communicationfor the second remote control device to read data from the at least onevehicle device.
 74. The method of claim 71, wherein the controllerpermits communication for the second remote control device to commandthe at least one vehicle device.